“You may forget the film, but you will never forget the music.”
The AFI Fest kicked off its opening night at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood with the world premiere of “Music By John Williams,” a heartfelt documentary tribute to the legendary film composer and musician of beloved films like Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and E.T.
Produced by Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard in collaboration with George Lucas’ Lucasfilm, the film is directed by Laurent Bouzereau, a longtime collaborator of Spielberg. “Music By John Williams” is an expansive homage to a musician whose orchestral scores have become woven into the fabric of cinema history, evoking nostalgia and emotion. Williams’ compositions are celebrated alongside the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin, making him a towering figure in both film and classical music.
The evening began with a poignant introduction from AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale, who reflected on the significance of screening this documentary in the storied auditorium of the Chinese Theatre. “Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped into the wet concrete outside, and the legend was born,” Gazzale remarked. “It’s a monument to the movies and their makers, and those silent films were the specialty. There was a full orchestra playing the soundtrack that has echoed in these halls for over 100 years.”
The stories shared throughout the night resonated deeply, echoing the immortal themes Williams has conducted over six decades. The film chronicles his journey from jazz musician to masterful composer of comedy scores and highlights his extensive tenure with the Boston Pops. The film also delves into the profound professional relationship between Steven Spielberg and John Williams, underscoring the importance of collaboration and the vital role of a film score in storytelling.
Academy Award-winning directors Ron Howard and Steven Spielberg were on hand to introduce the film to an excited audience. Howard offered insight into what makes Williams such a sought-after composer. “John has a way of communicating and collaborating with audiences and filmmakers, and he’s a very complex figure,” explained Howard. “In just a moment, you’re going to see that, and I have to thank him for trusting us to have this honor of telling this story.”
Though Williams was not in attendance, Spielberg shared reflections from their more than 50 years of collaboration on films like Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and most recently, The Fabelmans. “[John] is much more than a family friend and a family member. He’s the greatest creative partner I have ever had in 52 years… and the greatest partner I have ever had in the creative arts.”